Monthly Archives: October 2011

Sen. Goeff Hansen, R-Hart, joined Gov. Rick Snyder Tuesday as measures banning partial birth abortion were signed into law. Public Acts 168 and 169 of 2011 (Senate Bill 160 and House Bill 4110) outlaw partial birth abortion in Michigan. Hansen helped lead the cause in the Senate to ban the gruesome acts.

LANSING – Individuals with Concealed Pistol Licenses (CPL) would be able to legally carry Tasers under measures overwhelmingly approved Tuesday by the Michigan Senate, said sponsors Sen. Rick Jones and Sen. Goeff Hansen.

"As a former sheriff, I fully support these common-sense measures," said Jones, R-Grand Ledge. "Individuals who are trained to carry pistols can handle carrying Tasers. I encourage my colleagues in the House to vote for these bills."

Sponsored by Hansen, Senate Bill 29 would allow CPL holders to possess and reasonably use an electro-muscular disruption device, such as a Taser. The legislation would also require authorized dealers to provide training to CPL holders on the use and risks of Tasers and would restrict use of the devices to self-defense.

"People with CPL licenses have proven that they respect the law and the responsibility that comes with the permission to carry weapons," said Hansen, R-Hart. "Adding a non-lethal option to the ways people can protect themselves is a step in the right direction for Michigan."

Jones' measure, SB 30, would require CPL holders carrying Tasers on their person or in their vehicle to disclose so to peace officers. The proposed law would also prohibit qualified individuals from carrying the devices while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances.

SB 93 amends state law to include sentencing guidelines for violating the other measures.

Dealers who violate SB 29 would be guilty of a misdemeanor and could serve up to 30 days in jail or a fine of up to $500, while individuals convicted of using a Taser for anything other than self-defense would be guilty of a misdemeanor and would face up to two years in prison and a fine of $2,000.

Under current law, individuals who have been trained in the use of a Taser, such as law enforcement peace officers, are only allowed to use one while performing their official duties.

Electro-muscular disruption devices stun people by stimulating the sensory and motor nerves to produce strong involuntary muscle contractions that can temporarily incapacitate people.

SBs 29, 30 and 93 now advance to the House of Representatives for further consideration.